Why isn’t Raheem Mostert playing for the Dolphins against the Bills? NFL Thursday Night Football

The Miami Dolphins host the Buffalo Bills in a tough Thursday Night Football match tonight. Unfortunately, they’ll have to do so without their starting running back Raheem Mostert, who’s officially been ruled out of the game as he deals with a chest injury.

Raheem Mostert’s chest injury

In the Dolphins’ NFL season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars last week, Mostert suffered a chest injury just five minutes into the game. After just his second carry, Mostert got up, favoring his left shoulder, and then went over to the sidelines. He was able to return to the game, but finished with just six carries for nine yards and caught two passes for 10 yards while playing through the injury.

Former Chargers team physician and current analyst for Sports Injury Central David Chao described the injury as a sternoclavicular joint sprain. Chao also said it’s likely that the injury will keep Mostert out for longer than just Week 2, saying it could be “several weeks”.

Mostert should be able to avoid being put on the Injured Reserve list at least, which would keep him out for four weeks.

“He was working through it during the game,” said head coach Mike McDaniel. “I’ve learned he might be the last guy I will ask if he’s good. His injury, not many people play with.”

“My sense is, it’s not something that time won’t take care of,” he went on. “However, I’m not going to make him worse by setting forth my expectations of when he’ll play again.”

McDaniel did not rule out the possibility that Mostert could miss more games than just this week. The Dolphins play the Seattle Seahawks on the road in Week 3 and return home to host the Tennessee Titans in Week 4.

De’Von Achane questionable with ankle injury

It’s a good thing the Dolphins have depth at the running back position because it could be tested tonight. Fellow running back De’Von Achane is dealing with an injury as well, to his ankle. Although he was able to practice on Wednesday, his status for tonight will be a game time decision. It’s expected that he will play, but he may be limited in what he can do.

Mostert and Achane are integral pieces to the Dolphins offense. In last week’s win over the Jaguars, they combined for 16 carries, 33 rushing yards, and a touchdown. If both of them sit out tonight, Miami could see the majority of its carries go to Jeff Wilson Jr., but they could also start rookie Jaylen Wright, who’s still waiting to make his NFL debut after missing last week.